Brake system restoration / replacement

[noKYspider]

I'm looking pretty closely at a 1975 Spider that has locked up brakes. It's been sitting in a warehouse for a few years and you can find out more details on this post. http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 12#p143612 I'm interested in finding out more about a brake system restoration / replacement. I saw a couple estimates of $400 if I did it myself to $800 for a shop to fix the system. I don't mind doing the work myself but that being said, I don't know everything that I would need to fix the system. Is there a package deal that someone makes for new solid lines and/or braided flexible lines? I'm just looking to replace the stock system and the rotors and calipers seem pretty straightforward from what I've found online.

I'm planning on going back and looking at the car on a rack on Wednesday if we can coordinate times. If you have any thoughts or suggestions I'd greatly appreciate them. Thanks to everyone for their help and advice so far!

[So Cal Mark]

no need to replace the solid lines unless they're damaged

[noKYspider]

no need to replace the solid lines unless they're damaged

Ok. I know someone thought the lock up was caused by rust and another suggested a complete replacement so that's where I started. What parts am I likely looking at? Any part numbers for places like Auto Zone?

[maytag]

no need to replace the solid lines unless they're damaged

Ok. I know someone thought the lock up was caused by rust and another suggested a complete replacement so that's where I started. What parts am I likely looking at? Any part numbers for places like Auto Zone?

Noky, I'd suggest perusing the vendors' sites to see what parts are available, and what they cost. Here's a thread discussing vendors who have done a good enough job that people have wanted to share their experience:
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... ce#p127727

as for autozone & oreiley & etc: you won;t find much there. some of them may have a caliper or two. but nothing much beyond that.

[maytag]

no need to replace the solid lines unless they're damaged

Ok. I know someone thought the lock up was caused by rust and another suggested a complete replacement so that's where I started. What parts am I likely looking at? Any part numbers for places like Auto Zone?

Noky, I'd suggest perusing the vendors' sites to see what parts are available, and what they cost. Here's a thread discussing vendors who have done a good enough job that people have wanted to share their experience:
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... ce#p127727

beyond that, you're not going to know much more until you;ve opened it all up. Rust in the calipers, pistons, etc, will not necessarily equate to needing to replace hard-lines. right now, we're all just guessing.

as for autozone & oreiley & etc: you won;t find much there. some of them may have a caliper or two. but nothing much beyond that.

[geert]

hallo,

try out to find what 'locked up brakes' means in reality. Normally it's a good point for handy buyers.( professionals charge much ( and they are right) because they don't want to 'prutsen ( don't know the word in english, something like screwing around but more polite, 'fiddle ( maybe ?)'))' and loose time with possible temporary fixes )
4 wheels : I wouldn't know : you need another help-line, (control if the car didn't come from Italy on it's own on the bottom of the ocean)
2 wheels back : control handbrake system ( would be great if that's the problem )/ change central flexible hose / compensation system involved (?)
1 wheel ( or more but random ) : piston in the caliper too far out : try to push the piston back and control ( = change ) flexible line that site ( could work like a one way valve and pushing pressure on the piston ). Remove piston from the caliper. If no rust: put new joints, if rusty piston : change piston or caliper. ( new joints = cheap, new calipers = not so cheap).

good luck ! Geert.

[rrrrob]

Is it possible that someone set the e-brake and that the cable froze (rusted). If one or both rear wheels are froze, check the e-brake cables.

[noKYspider]

Is it possible that someone set the e-brake and that the cable froze (rusted). If one or both rear wheels are froze, check the e-brake cables.

I think the seller said the entire system was locked but it doesn't seem like a car they messed with much once it was purchased. I hope to go look at the car again tomorrow night (or this weekend at the latest) and maybe it'll be up on the rack for me to check it out in more detail.